i MiEV Sport Concept Car
7 June 2008 · Staff
The I Miev Sport is one of Mitsubishis new generation, environmentally friendly, concept cars.
Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the ‘driving’ image of Mitsubishi’s electric vehicles.
The car features Mitsubishi Motors’ unique in-wheel motors in the front, plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) to achieve high maneuverability and high levels of both environmental and running performance. The i MiEV brings a new closeness between people and cars – allowing them to become more a part of daily life.
Design
- ‘Fastback’ exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that’s pleasing and lively.
- Efficient and environmentally-friendly, thanks to its compact size.
- Exceptionally fluid styling.
- Simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home.
- Futuristic geometry, metallic materials and sculpted body.
- Carefully thought-out interior lighting, with natural blue LEDs creating a sophisticated impression.
The vehicle’s green exterior marks a close association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind.
Interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.
Packaging
Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout.
Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment.
Layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.
Body Structure
Aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong. This helps improve performance by minimising weight.
Optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilising Mitsubishi’s latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realises excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.
Powertrain / S-AWC
System employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors.
One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel and a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the ‘i MiEV’ system. An E-4WD system electronically optimises the output of all motors.
A new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor.
In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.
Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT.
Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down.
Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior.
The efficiency of the air-conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass.
Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors’ unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.